For the eighteenth consecutive year, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine designated Charleston a “Top 10” travel destination in the United States. More than 26,000 readers voted, honoring Charleston with the No. 2 slot – topped only by San Francisco by .04 of one point. This ranking maintains Charleston’s spot as the No. 1 east coast destination!

“To rank so highly among top U.S. destinations is an honor,” said Roger Warren, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and President of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. “From beach resorts to dining at award-winning restaurants to strolling down historic cobblestone alleys, we are proud to offer first-time and repeat visitors a truly unique experience that resonates long after returning home.”

In other local rankings, Kiawah Island was lauded as the No. 1 island in North America. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was named No. 3 in the Top 100 Resorts in the Mainland U.S. category and No. 29 on the Best in the World list.

A number of the top 100 hotels in the U.S. are located in the Charleston area. Properties honored include: Charleston Place Hotel, French Quarter Inn, Planters Inn and Market Pavilion Hotel. Making the Top 40 Small Hotels in the U.S. are the John Rutledge House Inn and the Wentworth Mansion.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. stated, “It has been our great honor to be named for years on the Top Ten list of best cities to visit. Our consistent appearance on this list is a credit to the businesses which make the hospitality industry here such a winner and to the residents who are so proud to share our beautiful city. Visitors appreciate the welcome, the history and the wonderful attractions and amenities which are offered in Charleston.”

For more information on this year’s Readers Choice Awards visit: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler